The Indianapolis journal., 1887-12-18
GLIMPSE OF NOTED AUTHORS
James Whitcomb Ri!ey's Impressions of
Several Famous American Writers.
An Interesting Talk with the Indiana Poet
About Men That He Met at the Recent
Convention of Literary People.

wh;t.omb Riley has been kept pretty well |
occnn.d in receiving the congratulations OF his |
pumerous friends on his fattering reception |
among the distinguished authors of the coun-
try He bears his laurels modesty and |
upassumincly Indeed it would be strange It |
he appear ed otherwise, for through numoer Oh
wears past he has received praise enough to
turn ar imperfectly balanced head and he mas |
come through all OF it with that same genial,
kindly dignity that marked him when ne
achieved his earliest success III literature rms
has been his passport to many hearts, and he
seems in not the slightest danger of losing It
He was asked by a Journal reporter to give his
impressions Of the authors convention, and
of the more noted literary lights, ano'
though evidently somewhat embarrassed by the
delicacv OF the task put before him, consented
to be interviewed.
"The representatives had gathered" said,
he. when arrived, and the assembly was about
to be called to order. The conduct of the meet
ing was in charge of Mr.. Lowell, whose paper
on the international copyright WAS first pre-
sented and was indeed. paper. and SO referred
to in the speakers characteristic comment to
the effect that the Importance of the topic made
it necessary for him. at times, to lean upon the
staff of manuscript Through what reason this
valuable document not in full reported to
| the public there seems conjecture. though its
reception by both authors and audience, was OF
| a fervor that marked it a master r-piece OF its
| kind. Mr.. Lowell is a man of medium height,
| of very polished and pleasing manner. His
| once profuse flow of hair and beard has thinued,
| il we may judge from his earlier
| pictures. and yet he seems younger
than 1 had anticipated. His speech even
| in casual conversation. is remarkable for grace
| and felicity of expression This was particular
ly noticeable in his introductious of the various
readers, always throwing into his remarks an
| appreciative sympathy with the authors person
ality. Even in introducing the great favorte,
| Mark Twain, his genial words seemed to add, II
| possible. the established popularity of the
| humorst-this manifested in the applause with
| which Mr.. Clemens was received
| What did you think of Mark2"
| az was surprised at his appearance Ii was my
| first sight of the People have maligned
him to me. While he does not in any marked
| ler-lookiug than Bill Nye. who calls me or
dinary Twain has more hair than Mr. Nye
| and a heavier suit OF sang froId 1t wss an
| equal delight to listen to hinl-a revelation. In
| fact since his manner seemed not affected in
| its awkwardness his dra~l of utteranee at
| all assumed as has been claimed by my inform
| ants. Hls entire bearing was at once artless.
| innocent, and as brimmed with undiluted mirth
as one could possibly conceive it. To me he
seemed master Of his joyous art, compelling
the laughter of all who listened to him"
HTell me about Scoddard."
mir. Stod6ard of venerable appearance,
| quite: and a figure that drew general attention
and kindly interest," man evidently long liked
in the affectionate regard of the general pubic
as well as his literary contemporaries HIS ap-
pearance at the speakers stand was hailed with
warm expression of favor. He read two poems,
beautiful and tender, in a voice modified bv age,
vet full of feeling and harmonious with the
spirit of his mastery verse. 1t IS SAID thas as
critic Mr. Stoddard plies the scalpel and the
saw with conscientious nerve, as well as knowl-
edge and is a skilled anatouist in all literary
fractures sprains and dislocatious and. it his
patients would accept his treatment in the spirit
Of its adm nistratIon. doubtless. as the lrishman
has said, They would all get well or ole-aitner
onen"
..How did our 'Hoosier Schoolmaster appearl"
.'Mr. Egeeston is well known in lndiana-hls
borhood home. He is vigorous and of snhstan-
tal frame. tall in figure, and with tall head,
made still taller by upright shock OF hair
that might be taken. in miniature perspective.
as a hazel thcket of his native heath In ms
ouietude and gravity of manner was reminded
Of Judge Gresham His contribution to the
programme was not in the dialect that made
him famous but; in striking comparison, eie-
CANT and forceful English His hair is slightly
tinged with gray, but his features seem but
lightly touched ny Time Socially, he IS very
agreeable, aud makes a stranger congratulate
himself fortunate meeting. At ms cluo,
The Authors he is favorite, and contributes TO
the home air of that notable institution
"And what of Mr.. Howells?
s'No warmer welcome was accorded anyone.
He was most happily introduced by Mr. Lowell
in reminiscent way, recalling his first acquaint-
ance with him. when as youth ne bore . letter
to the poet at his Elmwood home, and by the
latter was directed and encouraged in his liter
ary ambitions. 1 could but think. as the great
audience listened breathless to his reading, that
the distinguished poet and diplomatic must feel q
warm pride in having forecast and furthered
the popular novellsts future
II presume Mr. Stockton was Warmly re-
ceived also"
"He was and most justly SO. He is quaint
and interesting in presence as his own creations
are to the minds eye. His face seemingly
impassve, he modestiv came forward, In
features eyes. complexion and expression much
resembling that of Rev. Myron Reed, but in
figure of medium height. He would weigh
perhaps a hundred and thrty-fve pounds. He
looks like man not in rugged health, but II In
any Invalid, most wholesome TOM
pered one. He compes, and by some power OF
his unassuminc manner. holds the regard of all
who hear him Personally he is loved where he
Is known. and socially he manifests the same
happy turns and uulookedfor oddities that
illuminate the pages of his inimitable stories,
and, in fact, as in his princely fabrications,
she has a way of saying things,
That makes think of courts and kings
And lords and ladies of high degree"
''In full, he is what might well call q most
royal romancer, wit and jester"
''Was Mr.. Cable as funny az everT
'He seemed old-rime favorite with the
audience. He read with great feeling, as an
artist wholly conversant with his theme. read
ing from memory entirely He read from what
do no. know how either to spell or pronounce, 'n
exquisite memory of its delicious dialect and
motif His reception was most hearty. and in
dicative of the public appreciation OF tho man
and his genius. His elocutionary effects were
| striking in the extreme, and his voice. though
| light in timbre. was penetrating, and easily DOS
sessed the house Very delicate in figure is Mr.
| Cable. l learned with regret that he
was not at his best physically. There
are evidences that the great demand for his
varied talents in com position and rendition Is
making an impression on what is not the strong
| est of physiques In striking physical contrast,
| George William Curtis. white of hair and beard
but hale and sturdy in vital force; sound OF
frame Norseland viking. he looms to striking
stature. aud wields deep. sonorous voice at
| 6YfA
ner is Of like bcild with Mr. Curtis. His humor
is simply delectable; quiet, simple, perIecI nc
reads 5eautifully-wth such delioeration' sucu
grace, such perfect taste in every detail-"iIn
such art-concealing that his perIormAnco
! could but be unrivaled. Bunner, the euInor
poet. and editor of Puck. was unus 9ahy iaso.e1
- l,a i;axc